Pros: Being a big company, one's experience can vary significantly from person to person. So I am providing only my experience, and this may be contradicting to others. If you are working hard, the company or leadership team provides whatever you want. This is my personal experience. I agree there's a lot of politics, but if you are an A-category employee, the leadership team always values you. Promotions are again based on ratings and vary from team to team. Cisco pays best among network companies. Work-life balance: Always the best and on par with some of the best companies in the Bay Area.

Cons: Perm for foreign nationals is difficult to start, as Cisco is constantly restructuring. Though restructuring is good for the company, foreign nationals suffer because of it. I see this as the only reason to move to a different company. Recruitment should be improved. Quality is comparatively low during mass recruitment events. I think the leadership team needs a shuffle. They need to innovate more rather than trying to imitate. I think this is true for most networking companies.

Pros: Flexible work hours and great benefits

Cons: Consistent culture of restructuring and letting people go.

Pros: A good team enhances your understanding of networking.

Cons: There is too much internal politics, and work recognition is less.